Where Do Skunks Live, and How Do You Get Rid of Skunks?

Skunks don’t need much to feel at home. A quiet corner under your deck, a woodpile near the shed, or a crawl space with just enough room to nest—that’s all it takes. In Wisconsin, they’re drawn to places with cover and a steady food source. If you’ve noticed digging, a musky smell, or caught one waddling through your yard at night, you’re not imagining things. 

Let’s talk about where skunks live, why they pick your property, and how to get rid of skunks without turning your backyard into a battleground. 

Where Skunks Settle (And Why It’s Usually Your Yard) 

Skunks aren’t complicated. They want shelter, quiet, and something to eat. You’ll find them: 

• Under porches, sheds, or decks 

• In thick brush or woodpiles 

• Near trash bins or pet food bowls 

• Inside crawl spaces or abandoned burrows 

They’re nocturnal, so you won’t see much. But you’ll smell them or notice the mess they leave behind. 

Why You Shouldn’t Let Them Stay Long 

Here’s what skunks bring with them: 

• That infamous spray, and it sticks for days 

• Torn-up lawns from grub hunting 

• Risk of rabies or parasites 

• Nesting damage to insulation or wiring 

• DIY removal that often ends with you getting sprayed 

How to Get Rid of Skunks Without Getting Skunked 

Step 1: Cut Off the Buffet 
Seal trash cans, clean up pet food, and keep compost covered. 

Step 2: Close the Gaps 
Use wire mesh to block off decks, sheds, and crawl spaces. 

Step 3: Make It Uncomfortable 
Motion lights, loud sounds, or ammonia-soaked rags can help. 

Step 4: Call the Pros 
A licensed team can safely trap and relocate skunks. No drama, no stink. 

What Wisconsin Homeowners Ask When Skunks Show Up 

Why are skunks living near my house? 

They’re after food, shelter, and a quiet place to nest. Your yard checks all the boxes. 

Can skunks damage my property? 

Yes. They dig, chew, and spray. If they nest, they can tear up insulation or wiring. 

Is it safe to remove skunks myself? 

Not really. They’ll spray if they feel cornered, and that smell doesn’t wash off easily. 

What keeps skunks away? 

Bright lights, strong smells, and removing food sources usually do the trick. 

Don’t Wait for the Smell to Hit 

Skunks don’t knock. They just moved in. If you’ve seen digging, smelled something foul, or spotted one waddling around at night, don’t wait. The longer they stay, the harder they are to remove. 

Call 1st Choice Pest Solutions today—Wisconsin’s trusted team for safe, effective skunk removal. Book your inspection and take back your yard before the stink sets in.